Exodus 20:3
3 “You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3WEB
Classification
The Command
This passage contains a negative command, directed toward Israel: "You shall have no other gods before me".
Categories
This command is part of the Moral Law. It fits with laws related to Loving God.
This command contributes to an understanding of Idolatry.
Fulfillment
The command was promptly ignored by the Jews at the foot of Mount Sinai, where they generated a golden cow and called it "god" (Exodus 32). The Bible records that the Jews broke this command frequently in history, but that God always preserved for himself a group who did not bow the knee to any false god (1 Kings 19:18).
The command continues to be obligatory for all humanity, Covenant Israel (Christians) in particular. It will find its ultimate fulfillment in the completion and culmination of all promises associated with the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:34).
Notes on Interpretation/Application
Place in the Ten Commandments
This is the "first" of a list of commands which is commonly called the "Ten Commandments".
